'Small Farms, Big Ideas' Summer Farm Tour Series Highlights Innovation Across South Dakota

The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) invites farmers, resource providers, and community members to explore agricultural innovation firsthand through the "Small Farms, Big Ideas: SDSPA Summer Farm Tour Series." This unique series features three immersive circuit tours showcasing producers doing things differently. Each tour offers a one-day, guided experience connecting participants directly with forward-thinking producers across South Dakota (SD).

This program has been funded under a Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreement between Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and SDSPA to promote sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship. The tour will feature several of the NRCS-driven conservation practices at work, including a water harvesting catchment system, high tunnels, caterpillar tunnels and low tunnels, innovative mulching methods, regenerative no-till vegetable production, and various composting techniques.

Designed as more than a typical farm visit, each tour provides a deep dive into the systems, strategies, and technologies driving success in specialty crop and value-added production. Participants will gain practical, real-world insights while building connections with a community of innovative growers.

Tour 1: Mastering Year-Round Specialty Crop Production and Utilizing Poultry Tractors

Held on June 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. CDT, this tour focuses on maximizing farm profitability through integrated systems such as deep winter greenhouse production, pasture-raised poultry logistics, early-season low tunnels, crop diversification, and do-it-yourself (DIY) post-harvest equipment. This tour is $16 per person and includes all-day bus transportation and sack lunch. This tour will board in Kadoka, SD.

• Stop 1: Deep Winter Greenhouse Production: Kratovil Farm in Martin, SD (Kris and Chad Kratovil)
• Stop 2: Pastures, Poultry Chicken Tractors, and Free-Range Egg Production: England Ranch in Midland, SD (George and Suzanne England)
• Stop 3: Early Season and Intensive Sweet Corn Transplanting for Early July Harvest, Low Tunnels (Cantaloupe, Potatoes), and High Tunnel Ginger and Turmeric Production: Cedar Creek Gardens in Midland, SD (Peggy Martin and Bud Manke)

Tour 2: Strategic Production Systems & Season Extension

On July 15, 2026, from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. CDT, explore how producers are integrating precision irrigation, soil health strategies, and season extension infrastructure to maximize yields in high-density fruit and vegetable systems. This tour is $23 per person and includes all-day bus transportation and lunch at Clearfield Colony. This tour will board in Lake Andes, SD.

• Stop 1: Sumisansui Irrigation, DIY Caterpillar Tunnels, Humus Soil Additives, and Eco-Friendly Weed Barriers: Lakeview Colony in Lake Andes, SD
• Stop 2: Early Season and Using Vented Low Tunnels, Frost Cloth, and Colored Mulches: Clearfield Colony in Delmont, SD
• Stop 3: Tabletop Production System Strawberries in Caterpillar Tunnels with Companion Cash Crops and Cold-Hardy Trellised Kiwi: Pease Creek Colony in Lake Andes, SD

Tour 3: Building Resilient Farms with Technology and Regenerative Practices

Our July 29, 2026, bus tour runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. CDT, and focuses on maximizing farm resilience through technology, resource management, and regenerative systems. Participants will explore advanced approaches including water catchment systems, remote monitoring technology, intensive no-till gardening, on-farm composting, and high-tunnel value-added herb production. This tour is $16 per person and includes all-day bus transportation and sack lunch. This tour will board in Miller, SD.

• Stop 1: Value-added Herbs and Commercial Kitchen Processing: Farm Mom Phenom in Miller, SD (Kelly Johnson)
• Stop 2: Water Catchment, Starting Transplants, Wi-Fi-Enabled Soil Sensors and Temperature Monitoring Systems: Lillow's Acres in Frankfort, SD (Dennis Clemens)
• Stop 3: Regenerative No-Till Vegetable Production, High-Volume Composting Systems, and NRCS Rainfall Simulator: Thunder Mountain Garden in Clark, SD (Shane Jordan)

Attendees will gain boots-on-the-ground knowledge directly from producers, including how to diversify revenue streams, implement ag-tech solutions, and improve efficiency and resilience on the landscape. These tours offer actionable ideas that participants can apply to their own operations.

"This isn't just a sightseeing trip-it's an opportunity to learn exactly how successful producers are making their operations work," said Peggy Martin, Cedar Creek Gardens co-manager and tour coordinator. "Each stop is packed with practical insights and honest conversations about what it takes to innovate in SD's specialty ag landscape."

For full tour details can be found on the event webpage. Registration for each tour closes one week before the event date. Space is limited, and registration in advance is required. Lunch will be supplied and please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies. Water will be provided throughout the day, but participants are encouraged to also bring a personal water bottle to stay hydrated. Guests should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. Participants should be able to walk on uneven outdoor terrain. Please contact [email protected] if you have any mobility needs and are seeking accommodations.

About SDSPA

The SDSPA supports producers of fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, organic products, value-added products, and other niche products through education, resources, and networking opportunities that strengthen local food systems and agricultural businesses. For a full listing of events visit https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/events/.

Links:

SDSPA website: http://www.sdspecialtyproducers.org/

Events Details on SDSPA website: https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/p/19106

SDSPA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdspa/

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